Wroxall Primary pupils joined teachers and two local community support officers in an effort to tidy up the area around their school.

Around 20 Year Four pupils teamed up with IW Council CSOs Harry Dea and Linda Shorter on the litter pick.

The school decided to carry out the tidying-up operation following a visit from Linda and Harry who have been part of an Island-wide IW Council campaign to raise awareness over the issue of litter and to highlight the penalties available to punish those who drop rubbish.

Harry and Linda were delighted to help out and were impressed with the community spirit displayed by the school.

Linda said:

“The pupils worked really hard to clear away the play area at the back of the school,”

“They certainly made a difference through the amount of rubbish they collected and I think they also enjoyed getting out and making a difference to the community.

“We were delighted to help them on the day. Helping to keep your communities free of litter is a simple but effective way of helping the Island achieve its Eco Island ambition.”

Wroxall head teacher Sue Skyrme said:

“Following Harry and Linda’s assembly to the whole school, the Year 4 children were very enthusiastic and had their own ideas of which areas of Wroxall needed clearing up.

“They volunteered and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to work with the community support officers and make a real difference.

“Our children get very cross when they cannot use their playground due to rubbish and broken bottles so this was their chance to ‘fight back’ and do something positive.

“I am very proud of their community spirit and their efforts which I hope will be appreciated and supported.”

Cllr Diana Tuson, IW Council cabinet members for safer commuities, said:

“I am delighted that the work of our CSOs has inspired the children to show such fantastic community spirit. Hopefully the positive example of the primary school children may rub off on the people who drop the litter in the first place.”